Title: Trine 2: Complete Story
Format: PS4
Release Date: November 15, 2013
Publisher: Frozenbyte
Developer: Frozenbyte
Price: $19.99
ESRB Rating: T
Trine makes it's debut on the PS4 with Trine 2: Complete Story, and it proves to be a worthy upgrade inside and out. The PS4's release list for December is pretty light, but Trine 2: Complete Story is a fantastic game to spend time with this holiday season.
Story and Presentation: I reviewed the game 2 years ago when it was released on the Xbox Live Arcade, and I managed to enjoy the game even more this time around. There's something about the game's storybook style storytelling that will ultimately encapsulate you from the get go. Maybe it's the brilliant narration or the mesmerizing visuals, Trine 2 pulls you in and never lets go until he end. The story begins with three heroes including Amadeus the wizard, Pontius the knight, and Zoya the thief. These three characters are bound together by the mysterious Trine, where it sets them off on journey. The story pulls themes from various classic fairytales, but it still manages to be completely original when it all comes to a close. The story plays out perfectly, as each level in the game is presented as a chapter in a storybook. This mechanic alone entices you to continue the game, and solve the mysteries that surround the three heroes. Since the original XBLA release, the game has gone under a massive face lift. It looked good back in 2011, but the PS4 version is on a whole different scale in terms of visuals. It runs in full 1080p at a smooth 60fps, and when you mix that with vivid and diverse environments, you get a marvel of a game. As a previously said, the narration is fantastic, as is the voice acting from the three heroes. They often provide humorous dialog throughout a level, while constantly foreshadowing what's to come. The soundtrack is great as well, all in all the presentational package is one of the best of the year.
Core Gameplay and Multiplayer:The core gameplay of the game revolves around platforming, switching between the three heroes, and puzzle solving. Each element comes together well, and it makes the game satisfying when you get through each level. The wizard can conjure up objects and levitate them as well, the knight use useful for his brute strength, and the thief uses her grappling hook to reach places the other heroes can't get too. Mastering all three characters' unique abilities and strengths to figure out the game's puzzle and platforming challenges creates a fun and rewarding experience. The combat in the game is definitely the weakest part of the game, and it feels like the developers treated it as an afterthought while developing it. The jumping can be a bit problematic at times, with you having to time your leaps perfectly to get to certain spots in a certain level, it can be a bit frustrating. Even with that said however, the great puzzle designs and well paced difficulty climbs shines brighter than the few minor gripes I had with the game. Frozenbyte did manage to implement a few of the PS4's unique features into the game, mostly with the Dualshock 4's touchpad. You can aim the thief's bow with the touchpad, as well as moving objects with the wizard. It's a nice touch, and it doesn't feel forced at all.
Final Thoughts:The single player campaign is pretty lengthy for a twenty dollar game, and there's DLC for the game if you want to add more to this great experience. Trine 2 : Complete Story is one of the prettiest games on the PS4, and it's polished gameplay makes it one of the best as well.
S&S Rating: 9/10 @whatsPlay
